Certain themes persist on Irene’s Journey of Faith ....

• Nausea and fatigue…especially on dialysis days
• Chronic itchiness
• Dialysis on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
• Toxin removal foot baths on Tuesdays & Thursdays

Her teeth and gums were significantly weakened by the chemo therapy treatment she received in June of 2007 and they’re now growing into chronic issues.  She’s seeing a dentist and Endodontic specialist.  She will have the first of two root canals on Thursday.  In addition to the structural issues, the entire region of her teeth and gums are constantly tender and sore.

We enjoyed a relaxing dinner on Saturday evening with Steve & Cheryl Sharp (photographed above) at Shadowbrook.  We relished a memorable lunch today at the Crow’s Nest with my brother Greg and his bride, Colleen.

Irene delighted in Greg & Colleen’s encouraging visit.  Despite the ongoing challenge she faces, Irene endeavors with JOY and an upbeat attitude!!

Certain themes persist on Irene’s Journey of Faith.  We hope that the most prevalent and persisting theme, however, is that of God’s ever Abiding Presence on the trek.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dialysis: Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, 1.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.

.... And Irene is still smiling, despite the inexorable nausea and rugged trek.

Thanks for caring.

Dave

According to Wikipedia ....

Ambiguity (Am-big-u-i-ty) is the property of being ambiguous, where a word, term, notation, sign, symbol, phrase, sentence, or any other form used for communication, is called ambiguous if it can be interpreted in more than one way. Ambiguity is distinct from vagueness, which arises when the boundaries of meaning are indistinct. Ambiguity is context-dependent: the same communication may be ambiguous in one context and unambiguous in another context. For a word, ambiguity typically refers to an unclear choice between different definitions as may be found in a dictionary. A sentence may be ambiguous due to different ways of parsing the same sequence of words.

We’re learning to live in the ambiguity of adverse circumstances although, in the flesh, it’s perhaps normal to long for answers and certainty.  The challenge of living a life of faith, especially on Irene’s journey, demands that we balance the ambiguous tensions that are ever present.  Our response is reduced to this .... endeavoring to “live in the present” without presuming upon the future .... whatever that future may realize. 

Irene feels that the three days of afternoon dialysis treatments last week have been a positive change.  She’s able to accomplish more in the mornings prior to each session and doesn’t have the early alarm clock to contend with. 

Don’t let Irene’s winsome smile below mask her intense discomfort.  Today’s been very rough.  She’s endured extreme fatigue, unrelenting nausea and several emotional meltdowns.  She refuses to be a “victim” through it all, however, and recommended we take a casual coastal drive for a change of scenery.

According to dictionary.com ....

AMBIGUITY is an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context, or unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning.

Amidst the adverse circumstantial ambiguity, we rely upon the certainty of God’s character, His unchanging Word, His indwelling Holy Spirit, and His promise of eternal life.  The challenges of this world pale in comparison to our HOPE for a better tomorrow and eternity with Him.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

According to Wikipedia ....

The barracuda is a ray-finned fish known for its large size (up to 16 ft in length and up to a foot in width, for some species and fearsome appearance. Its body is long, fairly compressed, and covered with small, smooth scales. It is found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.

Barracudas are voracious predators and hunt using a classic example of lie-in-wait or ambush. They rely on surprise and short bursts of speed (up to 27mph (43 km/h) to overrun their prey, sacrificing maneuverability.

Our friend Mark Joseph just authored and released Sarah Barracuda.

Mark, Kara, and their four beautiful daughters came by the house this afternoon following a conference that Mark and I attended over the weekend.  Irene was treated to a mini-concert in her honor.

Irene had her first AFTERNOON dialysis session yesterday and also endured two “dull” needles that were also used for the first time.  The “dull” needles, as referred by the medical team, are larger needles designed for a better flow but are very uncomfortable to endure for three+ hours.  The relentless nausea lingers.

The Joseph family visit was very edifying, as compared to Primary Amyloidosis, which behaves more like a school of Barracudas .... voracious predators that hunt using classic lie-in-wait or ambush strategies.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Thanks for checking in!!

Irene had a good weekend...especially enjoying JoAnna who flew in late Friday evening and is returning to S. Cal today. 

Tomorrow, Irene’s dialysis treatment is changing from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. 

They granted her time change request since her best energy is in the morning hours. 

She’s hoping the 2.15 p.m. - 5.15 p.m. time slot will be a better rhythm for her “body clock”. 

Thanks for caring.
Dave

Dave,

I visited your web site and enjoyed catching up on Irene’s journey.  I have decided that the two of you truly belong in the Hebrew’s Hero’s Hall of Fame line-up (Heb. 11).  As were the men and women of the Old Testament among the most faithful and righteous and included in this passage, so too are you and Irene worthy of such an honor!

Blessings,

John

Do we see things as they really are ....?????

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According to Wikipedia ....

An optical illusion (also called a visual illusion) is characterized by visually perceived images that differ from objective reality. The information gathered by the eye is processed and the brain to give a percept that does not tally with a physical measurement of the stimulus source. There are three main types of illusion - literal optical illusions that create images that are different from the objects that make them, physiological illusions that are the effects on the eyes and brain of excessive stimulation of a specific type - brightness, tilt, color, movement, and cognitive illusions where the eye and brain make unconscious inferences.

Irene was out early this morning enjoying her foot bath at http://www.aptoscorecare.com.  The foot baths are designed to remove toxins from her body.  She later joined Phyllis Cauwels and Denise Haikkila at Hank’s on the Hook in Santa Cruz near Pleasure Point.  The nausea remained at a low roar but she remained fairly active all day.

In the Ponzo illusion the converging parallel lines tell the brain that the image higher in the visual field is further away therefore the brain perceives the image to be larger, although the two images hitting the retina are the same size.

Do we see things as they really are ....?????

We are learning that our observations on Irene’s Journey of Faith are very finite.  Lingering questions and concerns remain as we filter them through our daily experience.  We’ve concluded that accurate vision only comes through the lens of faith, which is a gift of God.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God —
Ephesians 2:8

We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Caminando con Fé

Dave

During her three month hospitalization, Irene used to call UCSF the “SPA” ....

Why, you ask?  She would kiddingly express that where else could she get three meals served to her in bed everyday, have people immediately respond at her beck and call and daily have her bed made by others ....!!!

Irene has recently started using the home spa…which we purchased at the recommendation of Dr. Stephen Gluck, the Nephrology Director at UCSF, hoping that the spa would foster renal function.  And, since the cimino fistula appears to be finally functioning the chest catheter is scheduled for removal on October 28th.  Once the chest catheter is removed Irene will feel even more freedom using the spa without the risk of infection.

Irene was wrung out today following dialysis treatment and the nausea was certainly unrelenting.  She actually experienced a brief bleeding episode immediately following dialysis this morning when the large bandage separated from the injection site and blood spilled all over her shirt sleeve.

During her three month hospitalization, Irene used to call UCSF the “SPA” ....

At the “home spa” she may not get three meals served to her in bed everyday, have people immediately respond at her beck and call and daily have her bed made by others .... but even her challenging circumstances of today outweigh being in-patient at UCSF.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

A happy heart makes the face cheerful
Proverbs 15:13a

The Aptos Starbucks started a Customer of the Month and who do you think is the first customer they want to honor…???  Irene, of course…!!!!!!!!!!

There she goes again .... ”Winning friends and influencing others” .... despite the circumstances Irene faces on her “Journey of Faith”.  The cheerful and gracious Starbucks crew tells me that they enjoy Irene’s quick smile and kind spirit .... and that she brings joy to each of them every time she enters the door. 

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6b

Thanks for caring.

Dave

Hi Irene,

We just got a copy of your book “Irene’s Journey of Faith”. As we left the hospital yesterday for a short break in treatment, the nurse came into the room and handed us a copy of the book and said she thought we would be interested in it.

My husband has been getting chemo treatments at UCSF since July. This is his second stint with cancer. The first (bladder cancer) was 5 years ago, and they told us that the 5th year of remission is a good sign that it won’t come back. Well, God had different plans. He was diagnosed in July with lymphoblastic lymphoma. The strange thing is that the bladder cancer is a smoker’s disease, but my husband has never smoked a day in his life. The lymphoblastic lymphoma is considered a childhood lymphoma…my husband will be 62 on the 22nd.

We both knew that this was God’s plan, even though we didn’t know what the plan was. My husband and I are with the Gideon’s. The first 3 weeks that my husband was in the hospital, he handed out 65 testaments; his personal record. When he gave one to a nurse, she said, I wondered when I would get one. All the other nurses had one, and she wondered why she hadn’t gotten one yet! (He had run out and I had to replenish his stock weekly).

As you know, it isn’t easy being stuck in the hospital, but we are making the best out of it. My husband’s doctor was so impressed with his progress that he would bring Stephen to other patients and show him off as a “model patient”. We still have months to go before the final treatment, but we have gotten so familiar with the staff and patients that going in has become a way of life.

I was the volunteer administrator for the San Francisco Prayer Breakfast for the last 12 years, and have been involved with Young Life, and Bold Assurance Ministries. I had to take a break from the prayer breakfast to care for my husband. As I thumbed through the book, I realized I knew the name Dave Dias, and several other names mentioned in the book. Ryon Paton, Don Thomas, and Wally Hawley were all names I recognized. I even bumped into Mark Laret while visiting the hospital.

We are looking forward to what God’s plan is for us in the next 18 months. “We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who hold the future.”

I’m asking for prayer for a patient who was my husband’s roommate at one time. His name is Sam Adams. As my husband was leaving on Sunday, Sam came into the room and it they were both elated to see each other again. The nurse said it was very rare that former roommates would ever share the same room again. Sam is a Coptic Christian of Egyptian descent. He is having a very had time with his treatment. Please pray for him to receive peace during his treatment.

God Bless your recovery.

Joyce Sarkisian

According to Wikipedia, Florence Nightingale, (May 1820 – 13 August 1910), came to be known as “The Lady with the Lamp” and was a pioneering nurse, writer, and noted statistician.  And, arguably, Florence Nightingale is the most famous nurse in the world.

Casting her nausea aside, Irene and I drove to UCSF Medical Center today to visit two people who are currently admitted and who we deeply care about .... my Godmother, Ruth Perrine, and our faithful friend, Scott Halverson.

We make it no secret that we’re among the most committed “cheerleaders” of the UCSF nursing team .... especially at 11 Long, the Oncology Ward.  These amazing, committed professionals work 24/7, as a City on a Hill, quietly serving patients who are in critical need.  These nurses are running with the “vision baton”, passed on from Florence Nightingale to carry the tradition and profession of nursing to this generation.  They are a beacon of light and hope ....!!!!

As we were walking the serene, Sunday morning halls of 11 Long, all it took was for Irene to overhear nurse May’s voice and a flood of emotion and memories flowed.  Below is a photo of Irene with Byunga and May, capturing the moment.  Both Byunga and May are among the many incredible and caring nurses who faithfully attended Irene during her three month hospitalization.  And here they are again .... faithfully serving those currently in need of their knowledge and caring spirits. 

We visited and prayed with our faithful and smiling friend, Scott Halverson, who is battling cancer.  Please pray for him.  To stay current with Scott’s medical updates, see http://halverson-family.com/.

Irene and I also visited my Godmother, Ruth Perrine.  Ruth is recovering from emergency back surgery which occurred last Friday.  She is very uncomfortable and significant amounts of pain medications are needed during this recovery period.  Please pray she will heal quickly!!!!

It was refreshing for Irene to be visiting and encouraging in-patients at UCSF rather than being one ....!!!!

We had to pause and savor the San Francisco skyline.  You can see the San Francisco financial district in the background as viewed from UCSF

Irene’s hair blowing in the SF breeze at UCSF .... with the Golden Gate Bridge towers barely in view.  After coming home and resting late this afternoon, Irene shopped at Safeway and then had to activate the rake in our front yard .... one of her favorite activities ....!!!!

UCSF Medical Center is an astonishing institution.  Many of us take it and their amazing nursing team for granted.  These committed professionals are always there, 24/7, behind the scenes, giving of their lives to save lives.

It’s easy to cheer for the UCSF Medical Center team ....!!!!!!

Thanks for checking in .... and for caring.

Dave

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:1-17

Early this morning Shirley Churchill once again spent almost three hours with Irene working with her on physiology techniques designed to foster kidney and body function.  Shirley’s heart is evident after serving Irene almost on a weekly basis for just about a year.  It’s an amazing expression of love .... especially because she and Ken travel the one hour drive to our home each week from Menlo Park!!

This evening Irene and I had the distinct pleasure of dinner with Dr. Buford and Victoria McCharen at Palapas Restaurant in Seascape.  Buford and Victoria own a chiropractic practice, Aptos Core Care, and Dr. McCharen is my chiropractor.  When he learned of Irene’s plight several months ago, he immediately recommended a course of action.  Irene is now literally being treated by Dr. McCharen with “foot baths” every Tuesday and Thursday which are designed to remove toxins from her body.  The foot baths are a great complement to the Monday, Wednesday and Friday dialysis treatments.

Not only is this act of love by the McCharen’s an expression of deep regard for the journey that Irene is traveling, but Victoria graciously visits with Irene each time she comes to the office.  A wonderful, growing friendship is being forged and both of our hearts are deeply moved by the way that Buford and Victoria are reaching out and loving Irene.  Irene is emotionally moved each time she has the foot bath because of the way that either Victoria or Buford tenderly and lovingly wipe her feet dry.  It’s an overwhelming demonstration of love.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6

We’re grateful for Jesus washing his disciple’s feet and modeling to us how to love one another.  We’re also grateful that Buford and Victoria manifest Jesus’ teaching in the way that they love Irene.  They are modeling love in a very tangible and meaningful way.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dearest Irene,

You have been on my mind for several days now. Each time I think of you I pray for you. I continue to ask God to have mercy on you with this nausea. I cry out to the Lord on your behalf and at the same time I am amazed by your great courage. God continues to remind me that life is an unpurchased gift. Treasure each day. I pray that you will have days ahead where you feel well and that you will have a new song. Know that you are cared for dear one.

Veronica Eckhardt

Where is our trust .... and what are our priorities…??

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26

According to Wikipedia ....

The S&P 500 index was created in 1957, but it has been extrapolated back in time. The first S&P index was introduced in 1923. Prior to 1957, the primary S&P stock market index consisted of 90 companies, known as the “S&P 90”, and was published on a daily basis. A broader index of 423 companies was also published weekly. On March 4, 1957, a broad, real-time stock market index, the S&P 500, was introduced. This introduction was made possible by advancements in the computer industry which allowed the index to be calculated and disseminated in real time.

Irene certainly understands sweeping high highs and low lows on her journey of faith.  She is RICH towards God, has perfect PEACE in her heart and an unshaken trust and confidence in Him.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he (or she) trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3

Irene also rests in the promises of Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Long term stock market performance and economic stability are important to all of us, but we’re not to be consumed by it nor ever trust in it.  Wall Street and Main Street are literally fused at the hip.  Perhaps some who measure security and success by their financial portfolio are regretting it today.

Despite the high highs and low lows of the financial markets, our hope, security and provision come from God and from Him alone.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26

Where is our trust .... and what are our priorities ....??

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

.... who for the joy set before him endured the cross ....
Hebrews 12:2b

.... who for the joy set before him endured the cross ....
Hebrews 12:2b

.... who for the joy set before him endured the cross ....
Hebrews 12:2b

Irene continues to endure her faith journey with JOY .... despite the ongoing physical tribulation.  She smiles through the agonizing nausea and fatigue which are unremitting.  No “pity party” with her .... she’s upbeat and optimistic .... even on the most rugged days.  She continues to amaze me.  When I overhear her talking on the telephone she doesn’t focus on her own trial, but, rather, is compelled to learn about the caller’s life circumstances and their journey.

Irene endures with heroic dignity and illustrious determination.  Irene can face tomorrow, no matter what she faces today, because Christ lives and reigns in her heart.

Casting the nausea aside, Irene ventured to the mall and Safeway today.  She was encouraged to run into John and Karen Barton, two friends she used to enjoy working with at Monte Vista Christian School.  Their interaction and conversation gladdened her heart!!!

Jesus joyfully endured and died, but is no longer on the cross.  He is risen and lives because he ....

.... sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Caminando con Fé

Dave